Video highlights and player ratings: Arsenal Vs Haladas

By 1970’s Gooner

Mannone: Did not have many things of note to do. Fluffed his clearance after a bad back pass from Ramsey when he should have kicked the ball out of his area with his left rather than the right foot. But he came out forcefully to clear a through ball. 6

Szczesny: One bad clearance when he should have stayed in his area but two very good saves, one from a free kick and the other from close range. 7

Eboue: one of the worst players in the first half. Hardly played a ball to an Arsenal player. If we can really get 8m for him then grab it and run I say. 4

Sagna: Quiet game but without mistakes. 6

Traore: Fantastic going forward, lousy in defending. Reminds me of Clichy and Ashley Cole in their earlier days where they were excellent going forward but their defensive positioning was lousy. They all had to use their pace to salvage the situation.

Cole and Clichy have turned out excellent defenders and so will Traore but how will Wenger satisfy all three current Arsenal left backs? 7

Silvestre: I am worried about his pace. This did not show today due to the opposition. 6

Toure: Still needs games to get into shape. Some clearances were shaky. 6

Djourou: Has to watch his positioning. 6

Gallas: Solid with a few very good tackles. The decision against him for the penalty was way too harsh. 7

Vermaelen: I liked his positional sense and the cultured left foot he has. He defended and also distributed well. 7

Denilson: Started every friendly game so far. I hope it is not a sign of things to come..Was, along with Ramsey, overran during the first 15 minutes when the opponents dominated. Perked up later. 6

Ramsey: One of his worst games so far. Hardly able to keep the ball or pass it to a team mate. 5

Song: Solid and getting better with his distribution. 7

Senderos: Again started in defensive midfield. Did well but I fear against Premier League opposition he will be giving too many fouls away as his lack of pace will be letting him down. This is not his position of course. 6

Wilshere: Lost on the left wing in the first half but when moved into the play makers position came into the for. This is his natural position and it is up to Wenger to decide whether to trust him there so early on in his career (like Fabregas) or bide his time. He missed two chances to score by trying to be too clever. 5

Bendtner: Increasingly looks the part. Scored two well taken goals and generally his overall play was very professional. This may be a very significant season for him and for Arsenal. I am expecting that he will rise up to fill Adebayor’s gap as I think that Wenger will not buy… 9

Eduardo: Scored two well taken goals. He is a clinical finisher and if he stays fit then he will score goals for us this season. 8

Arshavin: Was not up to his usual high standard today. Couldn’t hold the ball well nor pass it accurately. 5

Van Persie: had an average game but scored a superb penalty. 6


Man of the Match: Nicklas Bendtner